Hi Bec -

Getting approved for SSA was an online application that took only a couple of pages of simple, technical info.

I did have to have a 5-minute phone call with a Rep, but that's because I had used my short name spelling on the app, while I should have used the full-length first, and middle, name spelling.

Social Security is spelled one way, IRS 1040 is the other!

My next goal is SSDI and SSI. SSDI is possible, since I am living with a Colitis flare that is awful and severely limits my time outside of my hotel room. It also affects my attention span for doing PHP/Javascript coding. But, SSDI is like the Spanish Inquisition, and one needs to be pretty beat up. SSI is even more remote. You can only earn $780/month from all other sources, including SSA!

I've already received my first SSA benefit payment - via ACH. I believe ACH was invented for Social Security. As we all know, there's only one major adult biz financial partner that does not do ACH.

Despite having little or no stress regarding finances, the SSA monthly benefit is half my rent, so it's like having a stranger as a roommate, and not needing to share the toilet!